13.5. 5. Of a Monarchy in the like Case.
When the nobles of a monarchical state cause the lands to be cultivated
for their own use by a conquered people, they ought never to have the power
of increasing the service or tribute.
[2]
Besides, it is right the prince should be satisfied with his
own demesne and the military service. But if he wants to raise taxes on
the vassals of his nobility, the lords of the several districts ought to
be answerable for the tax,
[3]
and be obliged to pay it for the vassals,
by whom they may be afterwards reimbursed. If this rule be not followed,
the lord and the collectors of the public taxes will harass the poor
vassal by turns till he perishes with misery or flies into the woods.
Footnotes
[2]
This is what induced Charlemagne to make his excellent
institution upon this head. See the fifth book of the "Capitularies," art.
303.
[3]
This is the practice in Germany.
